WASHINGTON - John Thompson III was fired as Georgetown's basketball coach Thursday after two consecutive losing seasons at the school his father led to a national championship.

Thompson said in a statement released by agent David Falk that he was "honored" to have been the Hoyas' coach and proud of what his players have "accomplished on the court and how they are thriving since leaving Georgetown."

"Georgetown Basketball has been a part of my life since 1972," Thompson's statement said, referring to the year his father took over as the Hoyas' coach, "which makes this moment even more impactful, but I look forward to my next chapter."

Thompson, known as "JT3," was Georgetown's head coach for 13 seasons, including a run to the Final Four in 2007. But he went a combined 29-36 the past two years.

Thompson's record was 278-151 at Georgetown, with eight trips to the NCAA Tournament.

John Thompson Jr., his father, led the Hoyas to 20 trips to the NCAAs, three Final Fours and a national title in 1984 while coaching the team from 1972-99.

In other college news:

Former Winthrop coach Pat Kelsey backed out of an agreement to take over at Massachusetts, citing personal reasons. UMass athletic director Ryan Bamford said Kelsey asked to be let out of his contract that was signed Tuesday, making clear it was for "very personal" reasons. The school fired Derek Kellogg after the Minutemen finished 15-18 this season.

Duke backup center Chase Jeter said he will transfer at the end of the semester. His decision comes a day after teammate Jayson Tatum said he would enter the NBA draft. Also making the decision to transfer is Tennessee guard Kwe Parker and Virginia guard Darius Thompson, who is the third player to leave the Cavaliers men's basketball program in two days. Guard Marial Shayok and forward Jarred Reuter said they also are leaving the team.

Florida State point guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes and Rutgers guard Corey Sanders announced that they are entering the NBA draft.

Pro football

Brady's jerseys back with Pats

Tom Brady's stolen Super Bowl jerseys are back with the New England Patriots.

The FBI in Boston announced that jerseys worn by Brady during this year's Super Bowl in Houston and the 2015 Super Bowl were returned to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.

Brady's 2017 jersey went missing from the Patriots' locker room after the team's Super Bowl victory over Atlanta at NRG Stadium on Feb. 5. That sparked an investigation stretching from Boston to the Mexican border that involved the Houston Police Department and the Texas Rangers.

Mexican authorities searched the property of tabloid journalist Martin Mauricio Ortega, where they found the jersey, along with a Brady jersey that disappeared after the 2015 Super Bowl. A Denver Broncos helmet also was found.

Ortega has not been charged.

Hockey

Possible boycott prompts action

USA Hockey said it will begin reaching out to potential replacement players in case the women's national team boycotts the upcoming world championships over an ongoing wage dispute.

The organization said in a statement sent to the Associated Press that it still is prioritizing having the original team on the ice.

But USA Hockey informed players' representatives that it will be gauging replacement players' availability for the tournament, which begins March 31 at Plymouth, Mich.

Executive director Dave Ogrean said USA Hockey's objective remains having the players picked for the team represent the U.S. and called negotiations this week "productive conversations." The sides met for 10-plus hours in person Monday in an effort to resolve a dispute over wages.

The players said USA Hockey made a "disappointing" counter proposal that was different than they believed was acceptable after Monday's meeting. Players added that they remain resolved to skip the world championships unless there is an agreement, despite the U.S. being the defending champion.

Players are looking for a four-year contract that includes payment outside the six-month Olympic period.

Miscellaneous

Racing champion Hamilton dies

Pete Hamilton, who captured the Daytona 500 in 1970 and won twice at Talladega Superspeedway the next year, died Wednesday. He was 74. Hamilton won four Cup races, including a Daytona 500 qualifying race in 1971. He had 26 top-five finishes in 64 starts from 1968 to 1973. His 1970 Daytona victory was in the No. 40 Plymouth Superbird fielded by Petty Enterprises. His teammate was Hall of Famer Richard Petty …

Five days after getting married, Trey Mullinax ran off nine birdies and saved par with a 15-foot putt on the last hole to shoot a 9-under 63 and take the lead in the Puerto Rico Open at Rio Grande. He has a one-shot lead over D.A. Points …

Cristie Kerr, Mo Martin and In Gee Chun each shot a 6-under 66 to share the lead after the opening round of the Kia Classic at Carlsbad, Calif. Defending champion Lydia Ko struggled with her putter and had a 2-over 74.

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